Story by Providence Maraneli
VETERAN journalist and Sunday News Assistant Editor, Mkhululi Sibanda, was laid to rest at his rural home in Donkwedonkwe, Kezi, on Friday, with mourners describing him as a patriotic journalist who dedicated his life to telling Zimbabwe’s story.
A sombre atmosphere engulfed the community as family members, colleagues, liberation war veterans and residents gathered to bid farewell to Sibanda, who died on July 3.
“We have lost a father, a dedicated journalist and someone who wanted to see his family grow,” family representative Ms Nomalanga Mpofu said.
A ZANU PF representative described Sibanda as a journalist who remained committed to the national cause.
“Mkhays was an example of a patriotic journalist. While some dedicate their lives to tarnishing our country, he made sure he told the Zimbabwean story,” he said.
Through his widely read Lest We Forget column, Sibanda documented the experiences of liberation war veterans, helping preserve the country’s liberation history.
“We have lost someone who played a pivotal role in telling our liberation struggle story. He made the younger generation understand the struggle and has left an indelible mark,” war veteran Brigadier General (Rtd) Abel Mazinyane said.
Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Omphile Marupi, urged journalists to emulate Sibanda’s dedication to the profession.
“Sibanda fulfilled the saying that the pen is mightier than the sword. He told the Zimbabwean story, served his country well and became a reservoir of knowledge,” he said.
Sibanda joined The Chronicle in 2001 before being promoted to Assistant Editor of the Sunday News in 2014.
He is survived by three children.
